Our group was so large that we were split in half, so that everyone would get unobstructed views of all of the automotive finery and it would be easier to ask questions of our tour guides. Company founder Paul Russell himself took the first group through, while Business Manager Bill Strickland guided the second group. Both gentlemen were most congenial and gave us informative, entertaining tours.

We all assembled in the company’s lobby, where we sipped coffee and munched donuts in the midst of a couple of Bugattis and a gullwing Mercedes 300SL (the model upon which the business was founded back in 1978). Then the tour began in the fabrication shop, where we were awed to see unobtainable body panels being made from scratch with the skills, tools, and craftsmanship reminiscent of the coachbuilding days of old.

From there, we went to the body shop, where we ogled a Ferrari 250 GTO completely stripped to bare metal—an awesome sight! There were several other rare sports cars with their bodies being attended to as well. It was very interesting to see these classic cars so totally disassembled.

Next along the tour, we entered the largest area—the mechanical shop. Cars being mechanically restored as well as cars in for routine service populated this area, which includes eight work bays, five lifts, and lots of tools and equipment for rebuilding engines and transmissions. The mechanical shop was a museum unto itself!

Our next stop was the upholstery shop, where seats, door panels, convertible tops, and even custom luggage were created from whole cloth (well, actually leather, for the most part).

And finally, the coup de grâce: the storage area. Here there are kept dozens of fabulous cars, including many of Ralph Lauren’s cars—Aston Martins, Ferraris, Bugattis, Mercedes, and even some American classics. Our only disappointment throughout the day was not to see any Alfa Romeos on the premises (although the company has restored some in the past). Before our event began, Paul Russell went out into the parking lot and spent some time looking over our cars!

After the tour finished, we were all allowed to roam around the entire facility, taking in (and photographing) everything again. Everyone agreed that it was a great experience! If you missed it, we’ll try to arrange a return trip sometime in the next year or two, or perhaps you can get an opportunity to visit with some other group. In the meantime, you can visit their web site at www.paulrussellandco.com.

Our club offers its heartfelt thanks to Paul Russell and Bill Strickland for opening up their marvelous facility on a Saturday and for spending the time to take us around and show us the sights. A hearty pat on the back also goes to AONE Director Jim Miga, who conceived and orchestrated the event, one of the most popular in many years!